Friday, August 26, 2011

[“Palm trees blowing in the wind during hurricane in Florida.” Photograph by Ed Clark. September 1947. From the Life Photo Archive.]

Hurricane Irene is badly misnamed, as Irene comes from the Greek εἰρήνη (eiréné), “peace.” Wherever you are, reader, I hope that you and yours stay safe and sound as unpeaceful Irene approaches the East Coast.

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We are following the storm from a safe distance here in Norway (the remnants will be headed for Europe after passing over Labrador). What distinguishes Irene is not its ferocity, but its size (as big as Europe). The current forecast has Irene tracking up the Connecticut River. My sister Barb lives near Saratoga Springs, and although Irene will have been downgraded to a tropical storm by then, it will still be dangerous. Remember that Hurricane Hugo did more damage in Charlotte (spawning tornadoes etc.) than along the coast.

“Orange Crate Art” is a song by Van Dyke Parks and the title of a 1995 album by Van Dyke Parks and Brian Wilson. “Orange Crate Art” is for me one of the great American songs: “Orange crate art was a place to start.”

Don’t look for premiums orcoupons, as the cost ofthe thoughts blended inORANGE CRATE ART pro-hibits the use of them.